CHARACTERIZATION OF TEXTILE WASTEWATERS - A REVIEW

The characteristics of wastewater from textile processing operations are comprehensively reviewed. The categorisation of wastewaters proceeds through a consideration of the nature of the various industrial processes employed by the industry and the chemicals associated with these operations. Chemical pollutants arise both from the raw material itself and a broad range of additives used to produce the finished product. The industrial categories considered include sizing and desizing, weaving, scouring, bleaching, mercerizing, carbonizing, fulling, dyeing and finishing. Pollutants of concern range from non-biodegradable highly-coloured organic dyes to pesticides from special finishes such as insect-proofing. It is evident that the textile wastewater chemical composition is subject to considerable change due to both the diversity in the textile processes employed and the range of chemicals employed within each industrial category.